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Metroparks director resigns amid internal investigation

An embattled director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority resigned Monday.

Board member Steve Williams, who represents Livingston County, confirmed Tuesday that ex-director George Phifer – who had been placed on administrative leave in June – submitted a letter of resignation Monday.

Williams could not say the reason, if any, given for the resignation because he has not seen Phifer’s letter.

Phifer, who could not be located Tuesday for a comment, was placed on administrative leave in June pending an internal investigation. The nature of the investigation has not been publicly disclosed and Williams said it will continue despite Phifer’s resignation.

“It’s still ongoing,” he confirmed, declining to elaborate. “The attorney we hired gave us an update at a closed session (Thursday). She had more interviews to do.”

Board Chairman Timothy McCarthy, Vice Chairman Robert Marans and other board members did not return messages seeking comment.

"In regards to the status of George Phifer, it’s the policy of HCMA that I cannot comment on personnel matters," Reese said.

Phifer, who served as the Metroparks police chief in 2010, was named director of Huron-Clinton Metroparks in 2015. He served as the deputy chief prior that.

He has faced controversy during his tenure.

Multiple suits were filed in Livingston County Circuit Court against the authority and Phifer in 2012 by male police officers alleging race discrimination and age discrimination. Those cases have since been settled.

In March 2015, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed against the authority and Phifer that alleged civil rights violations.